Choosing The Right Safety Light Curtain-for Industrial Automation

Safety light curtains are optoelectronic devices that form a protective barrier around hazardous areas using an array of infrared beams. These curtains actively monitor machine access and immediately shut down equipment when any beam is interrupted, preventing accidents during operation.

• Hazard Identification: Assess potential risk sources such as pinch points, moving parts, or press stations.
• Application Requirements: The size, shape, and position of the protection area matter. Evaluate if finger, hand, or body protection is needed.
• Resolution (Beam Spacing): Select the proper resolution based on the smallest object to be detected:
  • Finger protection: 10–14 mm beam spacing
  • Hand/arm protection: 20–30 mm
  • Full-body/passage: ≥40 mm
• Response Time: Fast response times, typically in milliseconds, are crucial for high-speed automation to minimize injury risk.
• Integration Capability: Ensure the curtain can interface with safety relays, controllers, or PLCs.
• Environmental Conditions: Choose models suitable for extreme temperatures, vibration, humidity, dust, or moisture.
• Compliance and Certification: The curtain must meet international safety standards (CE, UL, PL e, SIL 3).
• Advanced Features: Muting and blanking options allow flexible operation during automated processes and help avoid unnecessary stoppages.

Install curtains where machine access or operation presents a risk to personnel. Regularly review and maintain safety devices as part of your site’s risk assessment program. Train operators and maintenance staff on correct curtain operation and troubleshooting.

MISUMI India offers robust safety light curtains designed for demanding industrial applications, with precise detection and fast response suitable for various manufacturing setups. Here is a product example:

• Product: Safety Light Curtain F3SJ-E (Distributor: OMRON via MISUMI India)
• Reliable optoelectronic protection
• Supports finger, hand, or full-body detection through model selection
• Advanced features include muting and blanking functions, rapid response, rugged design for harsh environments, and conformity with global safety standards

Link to Product: Safety Light Curtain F3SJ-E – MISUMI India

For industrial automation, choosing the appropriate safety light curtain involves evaluating hazards, resolution, compliance, and integration needs, while also prioritizing product reliability and service support. MISUMI India’s safety light curtains deliver robust, standards-compliant solutions adaptable to various industrial settings, making them an ideal choice for enhancing workplace safety.